Pirate Kingship.

Chapter 517: The east wind blows, the drums of war beat, and two letters for help

Byron accelerated Hastings' war for the throne.

Scouting troops from both sides watched as old Woodville's tortured body disappeared in the black tide caused by the "Death Stranding".

After the coup in Ganquan Palace last time, no one doubted that the Kingmaker Warwick possessed terrifying black magic.

At least now that the church has not fallen, forbidden knowledge is still a rare thing in the Old World, and those who can master this technology and reach a high level are even rarer.

If mud falls into your crotch, it's still shit, even if it's not shit.

[King Maker] Warwick must put the shit pot squarely on his head.

Of course, from Warwick's own perspective, he didn't think there was anything wrong. He arranged the ambush of the "Painter of Hell" in the beginning and originally wanted to kill old Woodville.

It was just that Leonardo did it "too beautifully". He was not prepared to kill the other party's entire family, nor did he think about expanding his power indefinitely.

After this incident, it is certain that Warwick will have a rift with the [Painter of Hell] who has repeatedly taken the initiative to expand the scope of his attacks.

However, many extraordinary people in the Hall of Fame are originally between genius and madness. Even if they want to punish the other party for their mistakes, they have to wait until they win the war for the throne. They cannot cut off their own arms before that.

With the entire Woodville family being killed, only Elizabeth Woodville, who had the highest status and could influence Edward IV and a large number of senior royalists, was left alive.

"Blood revenge" naturally became the politically correctness within the royal party in an instant.

A tacit agreement between the two parties during the war was also completely broken - not to kill the nobles.

Because many of the aristocrats in a country are related to each other, there are always relationships that can be reached within a certain distance.

In wars of this era, in most cases even if nobles were defeated they would not usually be killed, but would be traded to the other side in exchange for ransom, and only the lowly lower-level soldiers would die.

After the nobles have fought for their respective masters, they can eat, drink and have fun together, and marry when necessary, without delaying anything.

It's different now.

Just like when all the captured Lancastrians were killed by the Yorkists in the later stages of the War of the Roses, the tacit understanding of redeeming captives no longer existed, and officers would kill defeated enemy nobles on the spot without hesitation.

The battlefield also became extremely bloody.

When the blood of the "noble" flows freely, it means that they are no longer noble.

The hatred between the two sides soared all the way, gradually escalating to the level of mortal enemies between the Red and White Roses.

Rumble.
"Kill them all, regardless of their status, leave no one alive!"

"After you break through the bastion, you don't need to put down your sword. You can keep half of the spoils you obtain."

It was just the spring of February, and the ground had just begun to thaw, when a series of major battles between the two parties began to erupt like thunder and lightning.

The number of nobles in Hattings was decreasing rapidly at an unprecedented rate, and funerals in various families almost never stopped.

At this time, even if Byron Lancaster, who had been driven out by the royalists and the earls, came back again, they had lost the basis of mutual trust to work together to resist the enemy again.

Even many earls who had no irreconcilable blood feud with the House of Lancaster advocated joining forces with the Wild Hunt Byron Lancaster to divide the Kingdom of Hastings, and this received responses from more and more middle and lower-level officers.

After all, they did not participate in the plan to kill the entire Lancaster family by using the [Touch of the Kraken] (Chapter 98).

Many of the middle and lower classes who were responsible for working hard were once subjects of Lancaster, and their sense of belonging to their former master was stronger than that of the Yorkists, who had just ruled the country for less than two years.

And this is exactly what Byron, the mastermind behind the scenes, wants to see.

He looked at the battle reports sent back by Leonardo, the Painter of Hell, Therese, the Succubus, and the neutral Marquis Tolas Neville, and was very satisfied with the progress of his first step:

"I need obedient officials, loyal officers, and fearless soldiers, but I don't need nobles who hold powerful forces.

This group controls a large amount of land, population, and has independent economic and military systems, and each one is like a country within a country.

We must take advantage of the infighting between the two parties and the war to steal the country to clean it up thoroughly, so as to take back the royal power that belongs to the monarch.

This is also why I say that if we do not fight a hard battle, but instead seize the throne through internal collaboration, subversion, and peacemaking, there will only be countless small battles to fight in the future.

Dealing with Edward IV and Warwick the kingmaker was not the ultimate goal.

Only by getting rid of these great nobles who are the source of unrest, taking the royal power completely into my own hands, and completing the great cause that many ancestors have failed to accomplish, can I become the true king of the entire territory, rather than the strongest leader of the princes in the country.

Perhaps only then will I be qualified to try to pull out the Level 0 Relic [Sword in the Stone] again and become the true king of the Hastings Islands."

From a utilitarian perspective, there is an upper limit to the output of an entire country.

Too many unproductive rentiers just parasitize on the body of this behemoth like blood-sucking worms, sucking blood continuously and putting the income that should belong to the collective into their own pockets.

If they take more, the monarch will naturally take less, and the national finances will inevitably become increasingly empty.

You serve as a soldier for whom you eat. This principle has applied since ancient times. If the national treasury is empty and there is not enough food, military funds, and soldiers, power will always be controlled by others.

No monarch who aspires to achieve great things would like such a group.

What's more, Byron has become the "bloodthirsty creature" in the ruling class as described in the Scarlet Grail. Naturally, he does not want other "bloodthirsty creatures" to share his fat.

At this time, he and his father-in-law [Whale Hunter] were more in tune with the idea of ​​hunting "fat whales" than ever before.

While Byron was rejoicing that the first step of the plan was going smoothly, another person was furious.

"Idiots! Idiots! Everyone in Hattings is a fool!"

St. John was already overwhelmed by the war in the traditional Orthodox diocese.

After the Bay people of the three countries of the Kalmar Union joined the war, they fought with the Protestant princes and a bloody battle ensued.

He had never paid attention to the situation in the border area of ​​Hattings. In St. John's view, Edward IV would never dare to disobey his orders.

Before March, I will do everything I can to end the civil war and join the battlefield of the Holy Silver Empire.

When I caught my breath and looked back at the Kingdom of Hastings, I was almost driven crazy by them.

Not only did they fail to find a way to negotiate a ceasefire, but the war was even more brutal than the religious war in the Holy Silver Empire.

But he had no good way to deal with such a powerful secular force for the time being. He was just prepared to let Hastings help them put out the fire, rather than jumping into another fire pit himself and eventually getting burned.

In the end, he had no choice but to order the Archbishop of Canterbury, the highest-ranking cardinal in the Hastings church system, to personally join the royalist camp and replace old Woodville as the [Prime Minister].

Try to help Edward IV defeat the Earl's Party as soon as possible.

Amidst this bloody atmosphere, time quietly passed to March, and the war still showed no signs of easing.

The Archbishop of Canterbury also failed to play a decisive role.

The main reason is that during the War of Red and White Roses, too many bastions were built on the land of Hastings, covering the territories of both sides, resulting in the current "shield" being much stronger than the "spear".

The Royalists, as the main attackers, suffered greater losses than the Earls, the weaker defenders.

The stalemate in the war and the mountains of corpses made no one on either side want to continue fighting another Hundred Years' War or Thirty Years' War.

Even the Earl's party was anxious to change the dangerous situation of being cut by a slow knife because of fighting one against two or even three, and they were always seeking a decisive victory.

Soon, the top leaders of both sides reached a consensus.

Just like what Lancaster and York thought at the beginning, they were confident in their naval strength and decided to compete on the sea.

After all, the Kingdom of Hastings is an offshore country. As long as the opponent's navy can be destroyed, no matter how many armies are left, they will be trapped.

Whoever rules the ocean rules the island nations, and can trap the other to death.

One day in early March, the ugly hunchbacked dwarf Richard York, the "Devil Duke", finished a pre-war military meeting and dragged his tired body back to his manor.

He waved away the servants, walked into his study, opened the secret door, went down the stone stairs to the underground, and lit the whale oil lamp to illuminate the underground space.

In addition to an inverted pentagram altar, the main body is a gorgeous dance floor carved out of white marble, which is filled with the blood of virgins.

This pool of blood was clearly protected by some mysterious power. Not only did it not dry up, but it remained bright red, flowing slowly as if it had a life of its own.

[Devil Duke] is lit at the five corners of the altar, corresponding to earth, wind, water, fire and the fifth element "spirit".

Then recite the mantra starting with a three-part name:
"The master of the Abaddon cult, the soul harvester who plays the music of death, the devil lord who wanders at the edge of the world and commands all the clans of the bottomless pit, the great Majesty Lorena.

Please accept my call."

According to the fixed format of general honorific names, the first paragraph describes the identity, the second paragraph describes the authority, and the third paragraph describes the position, which can accurately locate a high-level existence.

The fifth-order [False God] had just anchored with the Immortal Ladder and gained immortality, and could only respond to calls within a certain range.

A sixth-order [Demigod] has already taken a crucial step and possessed a kingdom of God on earth, able to respond to calls within a continent.

The response range of the seventh-level [True God] expands to the entire world, and the divine domain is everywhere.

The [Devil Lord] and [Death Pianist] Lorena, whose headquarters are located on the other side of the Sea of ​​Monsters, are obviously only at level 5. Even if they have the power to travel to the edge of the world at will, the range in which they can listen to summons is limited, and they can only use the altar to enhance the effect.

Wow.
As the spell targeted the object of prayer, blood surged in the center of the dance floor and a red light flashed, gradually condensing into a graceful silhouette.

The female devil was wearing a black evening dress, with beautiful red hair falling down to her smooth white vest, and a pair of black horns on her head. She was sitting in front of the piano, playing the music in ecstasy with her ten fingers dancing.

Richard listened attentively and soon recognized that the piece of music was "The Holy War", a piece that a pianist from the Vienna Academy of Arts had just composed for the religious wars.

He immediately realized that the Devil Lord opposite him had infiltrated the Dragon King's Court far more deeply than he knew, and he couldn't help but feel a chill in his heart.

He secretly warned himself that he would never rashly retaliate against this powerful partner before truly seeing through the other party's strength and trump card.

Therefore, he remained in a humble posture and bowed until she finished playing a song, and then he told her the key points of the current war for the throne and the plans of the royal party.

In particular, he explained to her the royal party's biggest concern at the moment - the "Uncrowned King" Byron Lancaster who was eyeing the throne at all times.

“Your Majesty Lorena, we have basically confirmed that the last Lancaster is not a true fifth-level warrior, and the time he can display the strength of the fifth level is very limited.

However, the strength of the pirate fleet under his command that can defeat the Treasure Fleet should not be underestimated. If it suddenly joins the battlefield, the consequences will be unpredictable.

If we reach a secret cooperation with Warwick, the Kingmaker, we may suffer a great loss. "

The devil lord opposite turned around, revealing a mature, intellectual and charming face.

He slowly spoke to the [Devil Duke], his words filled with the domineering attitude of having the final say:
“Just go for it, and I’ll make my move when it matters.

There are not only the undead wandering on the edge of the world, but also the ghost fleet under my rule!

According to the current water level of the source tide, it is a bit difficult for the old gods' followers to move around in the sea, but there is absolutely no problem for them to participate in the war within the North Sea. "

When Richard heard this, he finally felt reassured.

Without hesitation, they signed a contract with the other side: after the war, regardless of victory or defeat, they would sacrifice 1% of the country's population as military expenses for the other side to send troops.

If he violates this rule, his soul will belong to the other party.

[The Devil Duke] sent away Lorena, the most powerful trump card to seize the throne, and returned to the study to sit at the table. He looked at the nautical chart on the desk and the place where the final battle was scheduled to take place fell into silence.

After a long time, he slowly uttered a name:
"Straits of Dover"

This is where it all began, and this is where it all ends (Chapter 1).

The east wind blows, the drums of war beat, the footsteps of the local war are gradually approaching, and the entire Holy Golden Empire in the colonies is also tightening its springs.

In particular, the industrial center Torrent Fortress has long since become the war engine of the entire empire and even the world.

Bang Bang Bang.
[Level 0 Holy Relic: Whale Oil Powered Steam Engine] The powerful roar continued day and night, and white steam filled half of the city.

Mechanical engineers and workers wearing goggles and work clothes perform their duties in the factory in an orderly manner.

Whale oil, steam, gears... The interweaving of these elements adds to the flavor of whale oil punk.

With the help of the [whale oil powered steam engine], the production efficiency of major factories has increased by more than a hundred times.

Taking the most important heavy-duty cruisers as an example, a modified warship with a cut deck is shipped out of the factory almost every two days, and at least one new warship built with teak is launched every month.

After the new year, the number of ships in the fleet increased sharply by thirty-three, and the privateers, pirates, and navy under his command had all entered a closed training state.

It is particularly worth mentioning that a large number of High Tower Sequence Extraordinary People from various countries in the Old Continent have joined the Torrent Fortress to avoid disaster, so that their high-end human resources are no longer stretched.

Moreover, these people have an extremely fanatical attitude towards work and they are all overtime maniacs.

According to an interview with the Labor Daily, a newspaper just created by the Governor's Office of Torrent Fortress, the current mainstream attitude is surprisingly consistent:
“You asked me what I think about overtime?
How else can we view this? In the current environment of war and economic depression in the Old Continent, can we add this shift whenever we want?

We are so lucky to be able to join a company with such strong business and capabilities. We don’t have to worry about unemployment. This is simply heaven!

Besides, the word "overtime" is really inappropriate to describe us. How can such a cold and heartless word come from the mouth of such a passionate worker?
Overtime has put me and Governor-General Miss Violet on opposite sides. Do you really treat me as your own?

So, there is no such thing as overtime? This is all my job!
Besides, are we working overtime for Miss Violet?

Yes, she did gain a few pounds from our labors, but compared with what I gained, her gain was so insignificant.

In a small sense, my craftsmanship and skills have been exercised through overtime work; in a big sense, my spirituality has been sublimated through overtime work.

In this young city that belongs to strivers, my willpower rises along with the sunrise at five o'clock every day.

Today's shift, you asked me to work overtime, so I have to work overtime. Even if you don't let me work overtime, I have to work overtime. No one can stop me.

Hey, Miss Violet is here. Please take a look at my application for job change to [Whale Oil Mechanic]."

As long as the [Craftsmen] can learn the prerequisite knowledge and work well as workers in this factory, the rank of [Whale Oil Mechanic] will rise rapidly.

Working here makes me happy is by no means an empty statement, but every [Whale Oil Mechanic] will become the factory's favorite "acquired worker's holy body".

Moreover, it is a win-win situation that is welcomed by everyone, and there is absolutely no need to doubt their subjective initiative.

The manpower problem has been solved. In addition to a large number of bolt-action rifles, another weapon for boarding and street fighting has also been successfully launched:
Violet and her mother decide to compensate her with her treasure, the Hidden Blade 1473 pump-action shotgun.

Because to a skilled assassin: "under the hidden sword, all are equal", and under the shotgun, all are equal too, the shotgun has such a name.

As soon as he went offline, he became the favorite of the assassins [Phantom Blades] of the "Storm Cloaks" under Byron, and everyone changed to a new "Hidden Blade".

“口径：16号（70毫米弹长），枪管长度：508毫米；全枪长度：996毫米；重量：3.63公斤；

Stock: Smooth wooden stock/non-slip grooved front handguard (standard); Sights: Notched rear sight/front sight; Action: Pump-action/exposed hammer;
Capacity: 5 rounds in the magazine tube, and one round can be placed in the magazine, for a total of six rounds.

There are three types of shotgun shells used: birdshot, deer shot, and single-headed shot. The number of bullets loaded is one hundred, eight, and one respectively, which are used to deal with different targets.

There is also a strongest dragon breath bomb, which can burn the enemy's bones to ashes with one shot. It can only be used when you are not prepared to take over the enemy's warship.

Once the dragon's breath bomb is used, all you can do after the war is recycle the scrap metal into the sea.

As expected, the first prototype gun transformed into a first-level relic [Pump Shotgun].

Ability 1: [Equality of all beings]:
“Even a sixth-rank demigod will bleed under this spear. Even if the scraping speed is slow, if you don’t dodge, you will be scraped to death one day.”

Effect 2: [Mechanical Demon Slayer]:
"The man and the gun become one, and the body can be partially or completely transformed into a mechanical body. The hands, elbows, heels, and other parts can be transformed into guns for close-range shooting.

Or it could use the power of gunpowder explosion to generate a strong propulsion force, exerting a terrifying force far exceeding that of carbon-based organisms. "

Destiny:

"As long as there is a health bar, even if it is a god, I will kill it to make you see its teeth.

You cannot retreat when you meet God, go up and kill Him!

I can't control myself and want to kill a god to show others. The closer I am, the stronger my desire becomes."

The so-called sharpest "spear" [Jer Harmonica] is just a toy that can't kill anyone for their family.

The "Witch 1472 Bolt-Action Rifle" and "Hidden Blade 1473 Pump-Action Shotgun" that are now mass-produced in the tens of thousands are the secret weapons to defeat the enemy.

This is also one of the reasons why Byron dared to turn the table half a year in advance.

Just as they were making emergency preparations for war, a letter asking for help arrived at Byron's desk in early March.

"Order: Vice Admiral Byron Tudor, the Earl of Stromfort, Governor of Port Royal, leads the Colonial Seventh Fleet to cancel all operations and remain in port.

Be ready to receive signals from the Admiralty at any time and secretly rush to the mainland to join the war against the rebellion. "

If it were an ordinary naval admiral, this military order would be enough, but unfortunately Mr. Saint Byron is not one of them.

He is not only a powerful nobleman with great power and influence, but also a patron of the "Holy Spirit" with great hidden influence.

So there was also a handwritten letter from Edward IV attached to it, in which he called Byron "a truly trustworthy and lovable partner" and promised that as long as the kingmaker Warwick was captured, he would transfer his earldom to Byron.

If you were a monarch, you would definitely detest such a noble using military power to gain power, but if you were a noble yourself, there would only be two words for you to describe - it's so great!
"Tsk tsk, Edward IV is still as stingy as ever. He is far less willing to spend than the Kingmaker Warwick."

Byron casually took out another letter from Warwick asking for help, which was received by "Wild Hunt" Byron Lancaster as early as the end of February.

The first part is all nonsense asking for help, but the last part is the most crucial one:
"I am willing to use the Northern Wall as the boundary and rule with you. You are in the north and I am in the south. The Earl's party is willing to respect you as the [King of Winter]."

Byron shook his head.

“The price sounds good, but unfortunately, the only condition I can accept is to take them all!
I can temporarily appease when I don’t have the strength, but if I still appease when I have the strength, then wouldn’t my epoch-making technology tree be in vain?
My great fleet is thirsty for food, you two."

Then, affirmative responses were given to both parties at the same time.

A strange smile appeared at the corner of his mouth:

"Look here, you two, you're very selective in letting me be your teammate. Wait for me to show you a magic trick!"

(End of this chapter)